I know the Cincy market only from the peripheral... 

@Henry Tse, I'd say generally to focus on the peripheral sides of Austin - East or South.

There are so many people involved in this business, even if only peripherally. 

I was really hoping to try mobile home investing this summer but now I don't know what to do :cry: While I have been in the real estte business both as an attorney and a principal for 40 years, and have been peripherally involved in a couple of gated communities, I have never executed on "making a market" in these.The opportunity to buy very low and sell veryn high 100% financed seems obvious, but "feet on the ground" would be needed.

I know there's some risk involved and am quite ready to step up for that inasmuch as I wouldn't be directly involved in the industry but would only be a peripheral investor. 

Freddie/Fannie, which is an appendage of the Federal Government, are morons by design.  

We have peripheral towns like Joliet, Rockford, Elgin, etc that are larger than a lot of the other Midwest towns people think are hot spots. 

People just starting out (who need the bank more than they need you) and people with high net worths and many financing options (the bank needs them more than they need the bank) are not in comparable positions.My goal is to be a force in the REI world in my area and I believe people outside of your peripheral vision are paying attention even when you think they aren't.

some of the peripheral questions @Jack B. is asking:-optimizing your portfolio - potentially selling off either low performing or high appreciating assets, and-diversification into other asset classes?

Although I've only been in the business a couple of years, I've been involved peripherally for about 30 years...my wife Kaye has been a REALTOR and associate broker for a long time!